Wellbutrin Addiction: Signs, Symptoms And Treatment Options

Important InformationThis information is for educational purposes only. We never invite or suggest the use, production or purchase of any these substances. Addiction Resource and it’s employees, officers, managers, agents, authors, editors, producers, and contributors shall have no direct or indirect liability, obligation, or responsibility to any person or entity for any loss, damage, or adverse consequences alleged to have happened as a consequence of material on this website. See full text of disclaimer.

Wellbutrin drug is often utilized as a medication to assist people who are suffering from symptoms associated with depression or anxiety. Failure to adhere to bupropion dosage schedule or using this medication for purposes that are different from what it was prescribed for can be harmful. Wellbutrin addiction may develop. There are numerous potential risk factors involved in the abuse of Wellbutrin, some of which may cause potentially fatal complications. Understand what Wellbutrin addiction is and who is at the highest risk can help a patient understand the dangers of this particular antidepressant.

Hope Without Commitment

Find the best treatment options.Call our free and confidential helpline

Wellbutrin Drug Overview

Wellbutrin is a brand name for an antidepressant medication that has been officially approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The FDA first approved its use for the treatment of depression and some related mental health conditions in 1985. Since the approval of Wellbutrin pills as an antidepressant, the use of the medication has become prevalent in the United States, as well as other countries.

What Is Bupropion?

When looking at what exactly the Wellbutrin drug is, it is crucial to consider certain factors. One important question is, how does Wellbutrin work? Many patients think that bupropion is classified as a selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor. So, is Wellbutrin an SSRI?T No, bupropion does not act in the same way as SSRI antidepressants. This medication is classified as an aminoketone class antidepressant. It means that bupropion has an impact on other brain neurotransmitters. In particular, the use of bupropion alters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain of the patient one use Wellbutrin for anxiety or MDD the balance of dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters are restored, and a patient may experience an alleviation of their depressive symptoms.

Whether using, depression or even smoking cessation, bupropion has the same effect in the human body. Bupropion works by altering the balance of certain neurotransmitters that are present in the brand of the individual using the medication.

Wellbutrin Names

The drug is also known as bupropion, which is the term used to reference the active ingredient contained in this antidepressant medication. This is also the name used to describe the generic form of the drug. Except for the most common brand name, Wellbutrin is also known by names:

Forfivo XL,

Zyban,

Aplenzin,

Budeprion XL and SR.

Bupropion also has a bunch of street names like:

Wellbee,

L.A.,

Quartz,

The most popular street name for bupropion, that also describes it’s addictive properties, is “poor man’s cocaine”. Wellbutrin can actually act as cocaine substitute because it can cause an energy boost, or a kind of euphoria feeling, and Wellbutrin costs much cheaper than cocaine.

Wellbutrin Formulations

When it comes to looking at what bupropion is, it is essential to consider the different formulations of bupropion. For example, when asking what Wellbutrin XL is, it is vital to note that this formulation tends to differ from other options.

There are three main formulations that are used for depression and related illnesses. It is important for patients to understand the difference between Wellbutrin XL, SR, and basic option – IR (immediate release). While Wellbutrin side effects may be similar in both of these formulations, the way they work tend to differ. Below is an overview of Wellbutrin XL vs. SR vs. IR:

Bupropion XL: this is the extended-release form of the medication. It is generally taken once a day. Dose range from bupropion HCL XL 150 up to around 450mg. The medication provides a gradual release of the active chemical into the patient’s body. In turn, this means the individual is not required to take multiple doses daily. This particular formulation may also be referred to as bupropion HCL ER.

Bupropion SR: this is not an extended release version like the XL formulation, but rather delivers the active chemicals at a more rapid rate into the person’s body. When a patient has prescribed Wellbutrin SR, they will usually need to take the drug more than once a day.

Bupropion IR: is the basic formulation, which effects last less time, than XL or SR, so it needs to be taken three times per day.

It should be noted that Wellbutrin XL does not have a generic variety in the United States, but there may be a generic option available in other countries. There is, however, a generic bupropion SR option available.

Wellbutrin Addiction and Abuse

Bupropion is known to cause certain changes to the neurotransmitters in a person’s brain and mood, so is Wellbutrin addictive?

Addiction can happen to many people and a relatively large number of drugs. There are recorded cases of Wellbutrin abuse and addiction. Sometimes addiction can develop without the individual’s intention of abusing the drug.

Is Tolerance A Sign Of Wellbutrin Addiction?

For example, after using the medication for a while, a person may tell their doctor that Wellbutrin stopped working. This happens when the body builds up a tolerance to bupropion. The medication becomes less effective each time a patient takes their daily dose. In such a case, the physician may advise an increase in the person’s Wellbutrin dosage. When a patient is constantly increasing their dose, they build up not only tolerance to the drug but also an addiction to the effects that the medication has on their brain. At the time they stop taking bupropion, that a patient starts to experience Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms. There are cases where people suffer from bupropion abuse – in such a case, they deliberately start to take more of the drug or perhaps use the medication even when they do not suffer from any mental problems that the medicine is known to treat.

Other Signs Of Bupropion Addictive Behavior

When a person decides to snort Wellbutrin, inject excessive amount of it or take large doses of the drug orally Wellbutrin addiction may develop. Some people may also mix it with substances to experience a Wellbutrin high.

In fact, the majority of such interactions with bupropion brings only a higher risk of side effects to appear. Also, snorting, injecting, and other forms of abuse are illegal.

It is also inadvisable to mix Wellbutrin and alcohol containing substances. While the euphoric effects may be elevated for a short period, the person also risks many complications and potentially harmful side-effects, and, again, risks of developing alcohol or Wellbutrin addiction are higher in this case. Considering these facts, when it comes to asking is bupropion addictive? Individuals should realize that it is possible to experience an addictive behavior to the effects that it has on the brain and the body itself.

Risks Of Wellbutrin Abuse and Addiction

A person who starts to abuse bupropion faces a large number of potential risks and consequences. Wellbutrin sexual adverse effects, along with all other adverse events associated with the use of the drug in general, will be worsened. A person abusing the medicine also faces a higher risk of Wellbutrin overdose. This can be a dangerous situation where too much of the drug enters the bloodstream. Various symptoms may be experienced when a patient overdoses on the drug, whether that is by accident or on purpose. Some people may also experience Wellbutrin hair loss as a side-effect. One of the more severe signs that a person might have taken a lot of extra bupropion can include seizures.Wellbutrin half-life needs to be taken into consideration when determining how long such risks and consequences may be present in a person who started to abuse the medicine. When a person starts to abuse Wellbutrin with the hopes of experiencing specific results, such as Wellbutrin weight loss, they may experiment with other administration methods. When injecting, for example, additional risks are faced. In such a case, there is a risk of damage to the blood vessels, the development of skin lesions, and other complications that can cause death in some cases.

Wellbutrin Addiction Treatment

Individuals who suffer from Wellbutrin addiction t will often require professional medical treatment in order to help that person overcome their substance abuse issues. There are many locations that are able to assist individuals who do suffer from an addiction to this antidepressant. It is, however, important that the right strategies are implemented and used in order to provide the individual with more successful results.

A rehabilitation program can offer patient access to other outpatient treatment protocol or rather a residential addiction treatment plan. The specific options that will be made available to the person depend on a few factors. The location visited will have an impact, as there are many centers which are only able to accommodate people through outpatient services. Furthermore, the severity of the person’s addiction to bupropion may also have an impact on what the best protocol would be.Detoxification usually forms the basis for this type of treatment. During this process, the patient is placed in an environment where they are unable to gain access to bupropion. Careful medical supervision is provided. Sometimes, certain drugs that are known to help reduce the cravings for substances that a person has abused in the past may also be used.

The cost of addiction treatment will also impact whether a person can afford to undergo residential treatment, or would rather have to opt for an outpatient program. There are some cases where financial aid may be available.

Hope Without Commitment

Find the best treatment options.Call our free and confidential helpline

Rehab Guides

Calls to our general hotline may be answered by Niznik Behavioral Health or other private treatment providers. We may be paid a fee for marketing or advertising by organizations that can assist with treating addictions. Those seeking additional options can visit myflfamilies.com.

This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here

Drug Rehab Information

Speak to a representative concerning substance abuse treatment or request printed material on alcohol or drugs.